Tuesday, July 05, 2011

care package a la costa rica

In keeping with tradition, it's time for anothercare package offering from my travels in exchange for feedback.

To capture all your great ideas, I print the comment section and highlight away. However, this tends to be a cumbersome bunch of pages that I flip between and tote with me everywhere (even Costa Rica). Last night before going to bed, I gathered colored markers (of course I fly internationally with 'em) and compiled a list from your January and May suggestions onto this page (photo above) in my planner pad. Do you see yours?

I'm pulling together a care package from Costa Rica with coffee, tea, and chocolate. In addition, I'll include a lavender-scented goodie from TranquiliT. To enter, simply share a love note, tranquil tip, request for future offering, or fun fact about yourself in the comment section below and I'll choose the winner at random on Sunday, July 10. The winner will be announced on Sunday's podcast featuring Sara Avant Stover, author of The Way of the Happy Woman, and on the blog.

52 comments:

My tranquil tip: put a lavender-filled eye pillow in the freezer, and after you've washed your face for the night, lay down in a dark room and put it on your eyes. It'll decrease the puffiness from the day, and you have a few minutes to just breathe, and wind down before bedtime.

A tranquil tip I practiced recently, comme les francaises: I had a cup of coffee and sat outside, just people watching. It was hard to just sit and not think of where I had to be next or what I had left to do in the day but just sit in the sun and watch people go by.

Tranquil tip (more of a creative tip): Journaling is something I recommend to my counseling clients, though there are times when clients do not like to reread painful memories or are simply looking for a more creative approach to working on their wellness. Here is my tip, use fun paper and colors (i.e., markers, pencils, etc.) to journal. After you finished an entry, tear the page from your notebook and create origami with the paper. Your words and thoughts still remain, but you now created a beautiful structure as well!

I would love to see some more "substance" posts where you go deeper into a topic/issue. I love the week in review and other short picture posts but I found that some of the more "in-depth" posts you used to do are really helpful in sparking my own thoughts to go deeper and reflect on certain issues.

tranquil tip: practice reframing. when something in your surroundings is not working or is making you feel negativity, try flipping the way you perceive the situation. by simply slapping a different frame around your mindset, you can start seeing the picture in a whole new light.

fun silly blahgs fact: i'm very good at the six degrees of kevin bacon game.

My tranquil tip is to use old jam jars as flower vases for a vintage look and fill your house with seasonal flowers at the moment sweet peas are lovely, seeing them on the window ledge or on your desk will bring a little bit of the out doors in and remind you of beautiful summer days relaxing with a glass of something cold with the one you love instance chill time.

Tranquil Tip... Capture a moment, with your camera ( phone cameras count!) and or capture in words what is happening in that moment, sounds, sights, smells etc.. It's a great way to be mindful of whats around you!

1. Affirmation cards. I have a beautiful silk pouch filled with small cards that have things written on them to make me feel fabulous. Things like "you have a kind heart", "your husband thinks your sexy", "your dog wants to be around you all the time", "your smile is contagious". I keep it with me and when I'm having a down minute, hour, day, week. I whip one out and remind myself that I am exactly who and how I should be! I also create little affirmation card packages for friends and family when they are going through a tough time.

2. 5 minute cards. I never feel like I have time to get the "small" stuff done. So on my fridge there is an envelope that holds things I can do in 5 minutes. Instead of taking a break and wasting time, I take a break and get something done. Sometimes it is household related like clean the mirrors or stock the bathrooms and sometimes it's cuddle with your pup or meditate. The trick is that when I reach in, I don't know what I'm going to pull out. The element of surprise is all part of the fun!

My tranquil tip: Obsessive to-do listing. I know it sounds like more of a workaholic tip, but putting things down on paper in the order I should handle them keeps me calm and organized. Like you, I am perpetually toting a bag of multicolored pens, and I try to use two coordinating colors for the lists, as seen here: http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lfqpu42F2F1qzol74o1_500.jpg

I'm a grad student, so I keep a list out during class to jot tasks down so I won't forgot later. Sometimes I use different colored stars by items to denote when I'll have time to tackle them. That way, when I get in my car after class, I'll know which errands to run on the way home.

I don't live in DC so I can't come to tranquil space but I love to try and bring tranquil space with me to my practice! This includes wearing cute layers to yoga for before and after, wearing some lush lipgloss, and donning some sparkly earrings. Wouldn't my personal tranquil space be complete with a Tranquil Space t-shirt?? ;P

To make a return from holiday more tranquil, I try to leave the house clean and tidy. I pop a lovely bottle of wine in the fridge and put a the menu for my favourite takeaway restaurant in the side pocket of my car door. On the way home, I phone to order a takeaway and we pick it up en route. Returning to a clean house with a nice meal and a chilled bottle of wine waiting helps ease you gently back to your normal life.

If I have been in self catering accommodation, I use the washing machine to get all my washing done before I return home. So much nicer!

I enjoy getting your postings in my email. I am always thinking, "Is it too late for a 61 1/2 year old woman to become more creative and have a greater zest for life?" Have you thought about how we can incorporate some of your ideas with a little less energy? Help!

My favorite tranquil tip: When travelling, I always keep two tennis balls in my carryon bag. When I'm all seated on the plane, I slip off my shoes and put the tennis balls under my feet and slowly run them back and forth from my heels to the balls of my feet. It feels great and hits all the good reflexology points.

Fun, tranquil tip: my husband and I started a 2011 good memory jar. Every time we create a fun experience, we write it on a post-it note and put it in the jar. I'm already looking forward to going through them all at the end of this year.

A good friend once, when I was feeling down, encouraged me to just take a warm shower and brush my teeth to come out of the funk. It works! There´s nothing like hot water and suds to wash away stress and make you feel as if you really ARE starting your day anew!

Your blog lifts me up when I am down, Keeps my smile from a frown, makes me happy pink in my art, I love your world, I love your art, Your Things you love, I love them too, Have a happy time, you deserve it chica, Have some fun in Costa Rica! ;)

My tranquil tip: Go to the ballet! It is 100% guaranteed to leave you feeling inspired, graceful, and pretty:) Fun fact about myself: I am applying for an internship at a local Brooklyn bakery:) J'adore Brooklyn!

I would love to pop over to your dupont location during the early morning weekday hours for meditation. Something about creating stillness and peace with others when I tend to have so many thoughts running through my mind would be a welcome change to my morning routine. Thanks for listening!

Tranquil tip - when in line and paying for something and they ask "do you want to donate a dollar to...?" say yes. It is just a dollar and it will make you feel so good. A dollar for the Ronald McDonald House? Yes! A dollar for Jerry's Kids? Yes! A dollar for breast cancer research? Yes! Doesn't matter what the cause, the person you are really helping is yourself. Try it, it will make your heart feel just a touch more open, what a deal for a dollar.

Kimberly, I have been a loyal fan for years, and over those years, you have helped me to remain inspired, and to take better care of myself. I have learned about and explored so many areas of my life and myself thanks to you! Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful inspiring ideas and lifestyle with us! You are amazing!

My Tranquil tip is when you wake in the morning, take time before jumping out of bed to sit and listen to the birds singing outside. This helps me to be happy and grateful for the start of a new day, and eases my body and mind awake, instead of jumping out of bed in a rush.

A fun fact about moi...I adore Fancy Nancy and own almost her whole collection of books. ;)

Have a fabulous time in Costa Rica, can't wait to hear about your adventures and see your creative outlets. :)

Hi Kimberly! This is my first comment to you; I started listening to TDJ podcasts in February this year. I love it so much! I've listened to a number of episodes going as far back as 2006. I gather so much good advice from them. Recently I've been trying to employ some of the financial finesse suggestions as I am a college student with no job for at least five more weeks...it's a slow process. Anyway, I ran across a blog and I think it would be awesome if this woman could be one of your Tranquilistas on the podcast: http://onedressprotest.com/about/

I love your blog and podcasts Kimberly! I hope you're having a delicious papaya right now! I guess my tranquil tip would be to seek ways to "make it work", as Tim Gunn says, even in less than ideal situations. I discovered that with a 5 year old and 10 month old, large blocks of time to indulge are few and far between. I really wanted to incorporate an art journal, but when? So, I took my daughter shopping, and we each selected art journals from a REAL artists supply store, which made her feel very special. When my son naps, she and I have our special art journal time - we use the same materials, and she can indulge as much as I can. I think it's good for her to see her mom being creative as well. And that's more than good enough for now.

Reading through all 29 of these comments was a joy and an inspiration. What lovely ladies you all are.

To Desert Woman, the 61 1/2 year old who wondered if it's ever too late and is seeking more creativity and zest for life -- I am a bit younger than you - 57 in August, but I consider us in the same age group. My 'tip' speaks directly to this.

What I have learned recently about myself, is the extreme value and perhaps even core necessity of always listening to your heart and being mindful of your feelings. This might sound pat and simple like 'of course' but spending concentrated time focusing on how I feel through journaling, meditating, yoga, solo walks and just asking myself - "how do I feel?" have brought me so much tranquility.

It was surprising to me to see how much I was masking feelings in order to please others. Even if only slightly, this disregard for my feelings left me resentful, unhappy and unfulfilled. Making my feelings a priority and speaking from my heart, allows me room for creativity and an expanded zest and love for life that is indescribable.

Tranquil tip: about once a month, I take a day and do whatever I want without thinking about the expectations of what I should be doing with my time. This lets me relax and recharge so I can get back to my busy life a little less stressed!

My tranquil tip is to "do one thing". I am sometimes overwhelmed by the length and complexity of my to-do list. So instead of trying to complete an entire task, I'll break it down into parts and do one thing that gets me a step closer to completing the task. Some times I'll do one more thing and other times, one thing is enough.

Request for future offering:I'd love to see some more retreats/workshops here in the US, and especially over here on the west coast! It would be fabulous to spend a day or week with yourself and other like-minded women. I'd also love to see the guest bloggers back. I really enjoyed how each day of the week had a different theme. Reading them was always a highlight of my day, and helped me to relax and smile even when feeling really stressed.

Just a quick love note to say HI and that I'm so jelly of your Costa Rica days. Is the old gang all still there at the lovely Pura Vida? Feels like ages ago I was there! Hopefully I will be returning soon. :) xoxo

Love note: Your blog cheers me up and inspires me-after 2 years of illness I am coming back to yoga thanks to you.

Tranquil Tip: I limit my media time before bed-around 9-930, computer is off, phone is charging and dvds are silent. I read before bed, which really helps a lot-fairy tales and spiritual reading help me best (really loving _The Not So Big Life_!)

Fun fact about me: I once did a burlesque number in a Harry Potter robe to Frank Sinatra's "Witchcraft" (at Club Chaos in DC.)I also made a Hogwarts crest bra to go with it.

You have been such a God send to me and have inspired me so much. I found you at a time that I was so sad after losing my Daddy. Your books, podcast, vidcast etc. gave me something fun to look forward too and inspired me daily. Not to mention purchasing from TranquiliT and getting all those sweet goodies and treats and totes!

I believe in you & your message and love what you have created with your business and your life.Your No. 1 Fan,Lizi Life Coach

Tranquility Tip: Always bring a book or your Kindle with you when you go to appointments. If you are stuck waiting you can always catch up on reading.

Another Tip:Get your Tranquility Du Jour App. I listen to the Podcast in my car when I’m driving and they keep me so entertained! LOVE!!!!!!

love! love! love! your blog and all of your life musings! devoted tranquil space yogi but have discovered lots of new tidbits from this blog - thank you so much for sharing with us! would love to learn more from you on how you juggle all of your passions and still find time for some tranquility. as a full time working mama i need help on learning how to fit everything in during a day! :)

Here is my Tranquil tip: At the end of a long day when I am tying up all the loose ends at work (cleaning, washing dishes, folding laundry, closing down) I listen to your podcast. It turns those daunting small tasks into time that I look forward to and the tranquility du jour app makes it a snap.

Thank you Kimberly for continuing to offer up so much inspiration. Your blog posts and podcasts have led me to a countless number of wonderful books and blogs, not to mention the planner pad (LOVE!), that I never would have known about. I am digging the signature style posts and would also love to know more about how you organize your days. As a small business owner, I am in total awe of how much you accomplish each week.

Bonjour Kimberly! One of my favorite discoveries this year has been the little notes sent to yourself you offer at the end of a retreat and send six months later. I wrote my first one in Costa Rica in June 2010 and received it before NYE. It was quite stunning to find it in the mail and a great way to hold myself accountable for what I had done (or not!) in the last six months. The second note was written after the new year retreat in DC and I just received it. How delighful! This time, I knew I was accountable and guess what: so many nice things happened because I was aware of my wishes and knew I had to put the plan in action. I love this idea! Please more notes!!!! Merci for being such a wonderful presence in my life!!!Bisous

I second the motion for west coast retreats/workshops!! Southern Cali perhaps??

Tip? I often visit my 7 year old niece and started doing arts and crafts with her. Now she always requests that we do crafts together...so i bring along my bag of tricks and she loves it.'Silly fact about me: I won a radio contest over 10 years ago and got to meet and spend 3 days touring with Mariah Carey - who was my idol at the time:)

forgot to add...would love to hear more about how you get your energy? how many hours do you sleep, what do you eat? Im the same age as you and I get tired very easily...once i take a break i am not motivated to continue..what is your secret? oxox My is to go on one of your retreats one day!! you're the best!

Bonjour, Kimberly. I have a "request for future offering"... how about a podcast, more posts, or an interview with help on getting through the "mean reds". We've all had them, especially during life transitions, and advice on easing through/breaking free/recovering with style would be fantastic!!

Wow, some really interesting requests and tranquil tips from everyone.

I have a future request as this really came up recently during a re-reading of Tranquilista over the 4th. Time management which is a really big issue for me was discussed briefly in the chapters but I would love to see more on it. Maybe how to really use the Planner pad or calendar to plan your time. I can start out with such great plans but sometimes I feel that real life interferes and everything goes flying!!

How do you manage time when your commute to work essentially wears you out by the time you get home and then there is the dog to walk, eat, fix lunch for the morrow, and it's time for bed!

I am working to find something more conducive to the lifestyle I would prefer but in the meantime.....

My tranquil tip would be to add pizazz to your water-- lemon or cucumber slices, frozen berries, a little muddled fresh mint, a splash of juice, etc. It's pretty, it makes you feel like you're spending the day at the spa and makes staying hydrated much more fun. :)

I'd also love to hear more about your time management strategies. How do you do it all?

Many people I know struggle with being able to separate work life from home life. What has helped me is to practice a ritual when coming home. Before doing anything chore related upon coming home, I put my blackberry away and take a relaxing 10 minute foot bath. It frees me from my day and allows me to leave my work day behind. I find myself looking forward to this ritual.

the tranquil tip that inspired my brand: spend more time in the bathtub!

I've also been inspired by your advice to women who want to start their own business, and I always love hearing more about women entrepreneurs and the creative ways in which they're making things happen!

One tranquil tip is to have something green in your work and home space. A small plant or, my favorite, grow a narcissus bulb -- just put some stones or gravel in andy juice glass, nestle the bulb down in there, and water. You will love watching it grow and come to life every day.

A tranquil tip and love note rolled into one :o) Rock TranquiliT bamboo pieces whenever you travel. Their versatility and easy wear allow you to pack fewer pieces but always feel well put together for any occasion (and oh so comfortable).

hOMe late from the sharon salzberg/krishna das event so posting the podcast in the morning. in the interim, it's time to choose the care package winner . . . and it is #21 commenter: helen! send me (kimberly@kimberlywilson.com)your snail mail addy and i'll get your package out to you! congrats and BIG thanks to EVERYONE for the *amazingly thoughtful* contributions! xoxo